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Dantonio announces new defensive coordinator, possible spring game date

January 19, 2018
Head Coach Mark Dantonio during the game against Maryland on Nov. 18, 2017, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Terrapins 17-7.
Head Coach Mark Dantonio during the game against Maryland on Nov. 18, 2017, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Terrapins 17-7. —
Photo by Anntaninna Biondo | The State News

Head coach Mark Dantonio announced at the annual Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Friday he promoted co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel to be the full-time defensive coordinator. The 12th -year MSU coach will still coach linebackers.

Tressel's promotion comes after his cohort, Harlon Barnett, left to be the defensive coordinator at Florida State.

Dantonio also announced former Kent State head coach Paul Haynes will return to East Lansing to be the defensive backs coach. Haynes held the same position for the Spartans in 2003 and 2004.

Dantonio also told reporters he expects this year's spring game to be played on April 7, preferably at night.

To add on the announcements, Dantonio also told reporters freshman defensive end Lashawn Paulino-Bell will be transferring from his program. Paulino-Bell didn't register any stats in his lone season as a Spartans, and was suspended for the Holiday Bowl.

Paulino-Bell is the fourth player this offseason to transfer from MSU, with first three being former wide receivers Trishton Jackson and Hunter Rison, along with former quarterback Messiah deWeaver.

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